Rude awakenings can be defined as a sudden, unpleasant realization or shock. They often come unexpectedly and can be difficult to process. The term 'rude awakenings' can be summed up by the crossword solution 'jolts, ' which is a five-letter word meaning a sudden, sharp movement or shock. This term is often used to describe the feeling of being suddenly and unexpectedly confronted with an unpleasant reality.